Ruby Hill Rail Yard, Denver’s free urban ski and snowboard park, hosts the Ruby Hill Rail Jam competition today from 2 to 8 p.m.
A joint effort between Winter Park Resorts and Denver Parks and Recreation, Ruby Hill offers over an acre of man- made snow for skiing and boarding, with six elevated rails — obstacles designed to challenge snow sport enthusiasts.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard opened in 2007 as the first free urban snow park in the U.S. With free equipment rental four days each week, the park at South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue has made snow sports accessible to many who may not otherwise have the opportunity, according to Bob Holme, youth marketing manager for Winter Park Resorts. The park opened for the 2010 season on Jan. 7; last season saw more than 15,000 visitors take use the site. “This was the earliest opening ever, due to the low temperatures,” Holme says.
Winter Park Resorts manages the design and execution of the snow and rails, and that includes creating snow for the terrain park. A crew of volunteers then maintains the park.
“We build the snow over about an acre and it usually lasts at least a month, or up to eight weeks, depending on mother nature,” says Denver Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Jill McGranahan.
During the season, Christy Sports offers free rentals on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors leave their shoes as a deposit, then hit the hill well prepared.
Denver Parks and Recreation also offers learn-to-ski/ride programs that combine trips to Ruby Hill with mountainside lessons, so anyone can get involved, regardless of experience.
For today’s competition, on the other hand, more experienced enthusiasts can sign up to showcase their skills. Prizes include gear and cash prizes for the top contenders in the ski and board divisions. Prize money will depend on the number of participants; the first 120 registrants will be allowed to compete, with 50 percent of the entry fees going directly to the winner’s pot.
The action begins with $15 on-site registration from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. today. Contestants have a 45-minute warm-up period. Qualifying heats are from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and the ski and snowboard finals are scheduled at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. respectively.
“The whole goal with Ruby Hill,” Holme says, “was to provide access to snow sports to an underserved population.”
For more details or to download a registration form, go to
